School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

A bright future in Hospitality and Tourism with VUM

According to the 2009 Trends & Statistics Survey by the British Hospitality Association (BHA), around 1.9 million people now work in the industry.

If you are reading this, chances are that you are one of them!

Yes, the shifts can be long and tiring, but you will rarely find someone with a hospitality job who does not have a passion for it. Here are just ten of the reasons why a career in hospitality is undoubtedly great! You make people’s day, it is creative, it opens a door to the world, there is no need to get stuck, you can take on early responsibility, no fixed working hours from 9 to5, clear route in, great perks, great atmosphere, it is a safe bet (caterer.com)

VUM has long traditions in developing hospitality leaders since 1996. VUM is the first higher school in Bulgaria to present unique teaching techniques as problem-based learning and case-based learning, and also the first university to offer joint degree programmes with renowned universities from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, etc.. Our graduates have been the change agents of the Bulgarian hospitality industry and real assets for the hotel chains around the globe where they have experienced career development.

About SHTM

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) is a leading academic school in its field in Bulgaria and ranks among the best in Central and Eastern Europe.

According to the official ranking of the Ministry of Education of Bulgaria, professional area: Tourism, SHTM ranks 1st based on a number of criteria including: theoretical and practical training; teaching and evaluation; international exchange (mobility); means for scientific research activities per student; teaching premises, facilities and library collection; administrative services to students; career development support and student satisfaction.

Some of the most recognized, knowledgeable and experienced lecturers teach at SHTM. We have lecturers from 6 different nationalities, living long-term in Bulgaria. In addition, we regularly invite guest lecturers from partner universities.

Over 40% of the referenced publications in international journals and over 60% of the cited publications in Bulgaria belong to scientists from SHTM. According to another ranking category of Scopus, the European Journal of Tourism Research (edited and published by SHTM) is the best one throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

The Dean of SHTM, Prof. Ivanov, is among the top 10 most cited authors in Scopus. The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is well-known not only in Europe. 30% of our students come from 30 countries from 3 continents

Career Opportunities

VUM maintains excellent relationships with businesses and can boast of a long-standing success in providing its students with opportunities for work placement experience with top employers in the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Malta, etc. The VUM graduates have the chance to go on internships for up to 18 months in the USA.

After graduation, our alumni take up employment opportunities in official tourist organisations, transportation companies, hotels, tour operating companies and travel agensies, government and other organisations where knowledge of tourism management is important.